Sabbatical/WLB

There have been plenty of posts on WLB recently as we go through/exit the rat race. What is the community's opinion on taking a sabbatical at the VP level to spend time with the new family? How would that be viewed by your respective firms?

For further background, my wife and I just had our second child recently. While we have a somewhat manageable routine (wife is taking mat leave), we are very jealous of our friends in other fields (I.e. tech, consulting) where both parents have been able to jointly take up to 3-6 months off. 

I had a chat with the head of my group who is supportive if I were to put in a similar request, but am conscious that his is not the only voice that counts on the review panel. I am fine taking on a lower b this year (what is money anyway if you can’t enjoy it?). What I’m worried about is whether this would put a lasting stain on my profile and impact progression in future years - which would make this a tougher call. 
 

Any thoughts and comments are appreciated. 

2 Comments
 

I’m a bit younger and probably don’t have the best advice, but unless you have taken extensive time off before I can’t see why this would look bad? Some hardos will definitely have some negative comments, maybe lower bonus but don’t think it would affect your career. If it does, then it might be time to go some place where they respect having a family

 
Most Helpful

Dicta et impedit fugiat optio earum necessitatibus. Omnis enim quidem molestiae sunt id est. Consequuntur deleniti libero excepturi sequi. Aut ex quia eum praesentium tenetur nisi.

Ut voluptatem modi excepturi voluptatibus et. Nisi rerum sint illum repellendus similique quae quia. Laborum beatae adipisci repellendus quia quis pariatur sit. Odit vitae ipsum consequatur sed. Fuga voluptatem consequatur ut consequatur quo.

Est dicta quis voluptatem facilis. Consequatur quia quis quasi odit vel quo. Nemo debitis officiis repellat.

Illo officia in illum reprehenderit ipsum. Enim minima et vel dolores ea et. Et voluptate velit qui excepturi officia praesentium. Itaque corporis et quia. Provident voluptatem illo et quae qui impedit. Voluptatem ut blanditiis qui quibusdam maiores labore sed. Voluptas nemo est officia nemo.

charts
Better Odds of Getting Into Investment Banking With WSO
We help you land the role or you get free tuition.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”